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04/09/2004
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WEBSITE AT <;HTTP:// 1) Opposition and Coalition Representatives Meet 2) Intellectuals Push for Dialogue between Opposition, Authorities 3) Announcement 4) France Tries to Ease Turks' Fears on EU Accession 1) Opposition and Coalition Representatives Meet YEREVAN (Yerkir)--Representatives of the opposition and coalition government met on Thursday at The Armenian Center for National and International Studies (ACNIS), according to accounts, on the initiative of the Intellectuals’ Forum organization. Coalition participants were Galust Sahakian and Tigran Torosyan of the Republican Party (HHK); Levon Mkrtchian and Armen Rustamian of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF), and Samvel Balasanyan and Mher Shahgeldyan of the Orinats Yerkir Party. Opposition representatives were Republican Party political caucus members Aram Sargsyan and Smbat Ayvazian, as well as Vazgen Manukyan and Aram Karapetyan. Also present were Raffi Hovannisian of the ACNIS, academicians Lenzer Aghalovyan, David Setrakian, Ohan Dourian, and Khoren Balyan. Both coalition and opposition representatives presented their views on political activities, and reportedly reached a fundamental understanding in not allowing for matters to develop outside the political framework. 2) Intellectuals Push for Dialogue between Opposition, Authorities YEREVAN (Combined Sources)--At a roundtable discussion on the political situation in Armenia, prominent intellectuals agreed that dialogue is the only means to resolve the existing conflict between the authorities and the opposition. In saying so, they were quick to note that the opposition, and some of the public, would misconstrue their appeal as siding with the president and the authorities. They even speculated that certain representatives of the Armenian press would, in fact, spin the story in that direction the next day. As a group, they conveyed that intellectuals refuse to surrender to any political force or decision; however, stressing the possible threat to the Armenian nation, and its already achieved successes--as small as they may be--they stood firm in calling for dialogue to avoid impending conflicts. Organized by the Armenian Revolutionary Federation's (ARF) Supreme Body of Armenia, the Thursday roundtable attracted prominent intellectuals, including the chairman of the Armenian Writers Union Levon Ananian, who warned that the deepening standoff has placed Armenia “on the brink of an abyss,” and called for a compromise deal between Kocharian and the opposition. ARF Supreme Body representative Armen Rustamian noted that in the life of each nation, and peoples, similar conflicts exist. “We must avoid those developments that take conflict resolution outside of the political arena,” said Rustamyan, noting that the current political discord in Armenia has reached a stalemate, and both sides must moderate their views. 3) Announcement The present political tension in the Republic of Armenia greatly concerns Armenians worldwide, and especially the children of our nation living in the western United States. The rapidly developing crisis situation that began in the past weeks has deeply shaken all Armenians. Thus, in the name of the spiritual leaders and people of all Armenian denominations of the Western United States, we forward to the children of our nation in Armenia, calls of love, Christian love of peace, mutual respect, and harmony--so that the spirit of the Great Week prevails in our souls--and forward calls to always exempt our nation from harm and fraternal hate. It is our deep conviction and expectation of all the children of our nation both in Armenia and the Diaspora, to be guided by prayer, practical and active dialogue, and a sound spirit and path. Let us keep eternal Armenia distant from unjustifiable, fatal, and destructive actions, especially keeping in-mind our present geopolitical situation. Let the prayers of Armenians resound in all spirits, in order to keep our borders and households distant from apparent and invisible dangers and misfortunes. Prelate of Western Region, Archbishop Moushegh Mardirossian Primate of the Western Diocese of the Armenian Church, Archbishop Hovnan Derderian Dean Pastor Raphael Minassian, leader of the Catholic Armenian Community Reverend Joe Matossian, leader of Evangelical Armenian Community 4) France Tries to Ease Turks' Fears on EU Accession PARIS (Combined Sources)--France's new foreign minister sought on Thursday to ease growing concerns in Turkey that Paris wants to block its accession to the European Union. He said French policy on Turkey's membership had not changed even though he rattled Turkish financial markets Wednesday by telling parliament Ankara was not yet ready to join the EU and the ruling conservative party said it opposed rapid accession. "The French government pays attention to all that is said in the internal political debate, starting with the biggest party in parliament, but our line on this remains the same," said Michel Barnier, who was appointed only last week in a government reshuffle. He reiterated that the EU would take no decision on whether to open accession talks with Turkey until the executive European Commission releases a report later this year looking at whether Ankara has made sufficient progress on human rights. "It is the European Commission which will say objectively if and when accession talks can start because there are currently no accession talks with Turkey," he told reporters at the Foreign Ministry. The European Commission in November noted "significant progress" by the Turkish government in meeting EU conditions for membership. It cited, however, several areas where more needed to be done, including improving the country's judicial system and human rights record. The 15-member EU takes in 10 new members, mainly from eastern and central Europe, on May 1. Turkey hopes to be in a later wave of accession. Barnier made clear in parliament Wednesday that Turkey had not yet met the conditions for membership. "Turkey does not respect the conditions, even if it is preparing to do so," he said, adding that there was "no question" of Turkey's joining the EU "under current circumstances." Barnier's remarks triggered a furor in the Turkish press and helped drive Turkish financial markets lower on Thursday. "The cock has crowed too soon," said the headline in the Aksam daily. "When Turkey has fulfilled all the criteria for membership and opened the way to a solution in Cyprus, France drops its mask. The government has declared its true intentions," it said. However, a Turkish official downplayed Barnier's comments, saying they simply reflected the current state of affairs. "We know that we still have some shortcomings which must be dealt with, and we will deal with them before December," the official told Reuters in Ankara. Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul told reporters, "Various exaggerated words can be said for reasons related to domestic politics." EU leaders will decide in December whether to open accession talks with Turkey, the only membership aspirant that has so far been denied a seat at the negotiating table. All subscription inquiries and changes must be made through the proper carrier and not Asbarez Online. ASBAREZ ONLINE does not transmit address changes and subscription requests. (c) 2004 ASBAREZ ONLINE. All Rights Reserved. ASBAREZ provides this news service to ARMENIAN NEWS NETWORK members for academic research or personal use only and may not be reproduced in or through mass media outlets.